This story initially appeared on our brother site WV Sports Now.
West Virginia fans can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to a major announcement from top commit Rodney Gallagher.
After much speculation in recent weeks about if Gallagher would stay true to the Mountaineers and remain committed, the four-star prospect made his intentions clear Sunday morning by tweeting he will officially sign with WVU on Early Signing Day on Dec. 21. Many believed Gallagher was waiting to see if West Virginia brought back head coach Neal Brown, a decision that was made and then followed by the hiring of new athletic director Wren Baker.
“I appreciate you guys coming through for my bday. I’m staying a Mountaineer and locked in with the program. Will be signing on December 21st,” Gallagher said in a tweet while referring to the love he received from Mountaineer Nation on his birthday on Saturday.
I appreciate you guys coming through for my bday🙏🏼I’m staying a Mountaineer and locked in with the program. Will be signing on December 21st🏔💛💙 @NealBrown_WVU @CoachWright37 @Tony_TDUB @WVUfootball Love Mountaineer Nation!!! pic.twitter.com/xMvWxs837j
— Rodney Gallagher 3rd (LLC💕) (@Rodney_G3) December 11, 2022
Gallagher did visit Penn State recently, triggering most to believe PSU would be his choice if he did pull his commitment from WVU. By all accounts, he had not had any recent talks with Pitt. But at the end of the day, Gallagher, who has the distinction as the sixth highest ranked recruit in the history of West Virginia football and the best prospect of the Neal Brown era, will now arrive on campus during a pivotal season and with pressure to help get the program back headed in the right direction.
This news also comes just days after Gallagher announced an NIL agreement with The Pavement Group, making him the first-ever high school athlete in Pennsylvania to receive money while maintaining an amateur status.
The Laurel Highlands product will next be competing in the Under Armour All-American Bowl in January. He closed out his tenure at Laurel Highlands by compiling 2,039 total yards of offense and 28 touchdowns while switching between quarterback and wide receiver during his senior season.
